The 2020 festival kicked off on Friday, February seventh and as expected was chocked full of world class talent, from the elderly legends of Jamaica’s past, Grammy award winning artists and cutting edge players with the distinct sounds from the islands of Hawaii.
This festival is grand for many reasons. In close proximity to much of Southern California during the winter months while much of the country is freezing, folks are here outside enjoying some sweet sounds.
There are ambient hotels and places to stay within a short distance, one right at the venue. Parking in Long Beach, as you ride a shuttle to the fest, is reasonable and under twenty dollars a day.
The craft brews and drink options are vast, in addition to world class catering from various booths and food trucks, offering everything you could imagine from hard kombucha, vegetarian and vegan, Asian, fried chicken, Mexican and BBQ.
Now to mention the music, everyday of the fest is jam packed full of performing artists for almost ten hours daily. With three stages there is always a show to catch and creates unique situations where the concert goer must choose “Do I leave Damian Marley, to go see Yellowman?”
Some rain fell on Sunday, same as in 2019, yet it didn’t stop the dedicated fans in ponchos who enjoyed themselves in the cold.
In addition to the many performers, highlights this year for me included an epic set by Tribal Seeds, a break through in the rain during Fia on the Tiki stage, and Lee “Scratch” Perry throwing down and a crowd singing him “happy birthday” a month before his eighty-fifth.
If you missed the fest, hopefully this incredibly amazing event will return next year for 2021. https://www.onelovecalifest.com/